Should we stop sending lots of Christmas cards?

Chell · 15 July 2006 at 10:23PM

Much to my Mums disgust I didn't send cards last year. I sent 10 people who are close some photo cards tnat I had bought online. I sent an ecard to those who I have an address for and didn't bother with the rest. IMO its a waste of trees and money. I made a donation to charity, I can't remember if it was GBSS or Bliss but it was something relevant to me.

nearlyrich · 15 July 2006 at 10:27PM

I don't send Christmas cards to work colleagues, just send an email saying this year I am donating to XYZ charity and I wish you and yours a happy Christmas.

I only send cards to close family and good friends.

longforgotten · 19 August 2006 at 7:26PM

For a couple of years now where I work we have decided not to send Christmas cards to each other. After all, we see each other every day, wishing each other a Merry Christmas is not difficult ! Last year we saved our money for Oxfam, I expect it will be a different charity this year.

I still send cards to family and friends I do not see at Christmas, seems a happy compromise to me.

Sujamjen · 19 August 2006 at 7:54PM

Marsie wrote:

Do you know, I can see all the logic in this and very little logic in continuing to send Christmas cards - there is an environmental impact, cost impact and it's a huge chore which I always end up sitting up till the wee small hours doing because I've left it late.

Unfortunately ... I love getting Christmas cards, and in this busy life it's a means to catch up with people you don't speak to regularly.

I'm afraid I just can't bring myself to stop it. I just have to satisfy myself with buying charity cards and know that at least a little of it goes to a good cause.

M.

You've said everything I wanted to say Marsie! Thanks

Raffles_3 · 19 August 2006 at 11:20PM

Christmas is only once a year. Not sending a Christmas card might be seen by some as a sign of rudeness.
There is a compromise. I have just had the catalogue of the Alzheimer Society, and one can buy cards off them. That way one can perform one's social duties and give to charity at the same time.

longforgotten · 28 August 2006 at 3:57PM

Buying from a charity Christmas catalogue is all well and good, but don't you think they are expensive? I would rather give a donation to my favourite charity and buy my Christmas cards elsewhere. If you are a tax payer they can claim the tax back on your donation too............

klondyke · 28 August 2006 at 4:21PM

Our family has been giving each other gifts from Oxfam or Worldvision such as a goat (which goes to a family in Africa, or wherever). We 'received' a 4 cubicle public lavatory this year!! You can claim gift aid on these via your order.

Pity that most gifts are relatively expensive insofar as they would all cost more than a card, so you would end up spending more if using this idea for everyone to whom you would normally send cards.

Perhaps we should persuade the catalogue people to advertise a few smaller gifts - they might sell more stuff in the long run.

elantan · 29 August 2006 at 7:58PM

i havnt sent xmas cards for years ..but like others have given the money to charity everyone i have explained this to is happy about it and if they wernt well not my problem but theirs .....saves me getting writers cramp and the charity of my choice get £15 or so ..no trees destroyed to make my cards..no pollution to make em ,ship em etc ...everyones a winner

Liney_2 · 2 September 2006 at 5:44AM

Could you write a nice letter/email instead? Telling folks what you have been up to in the last year. One of my friend printed off a nice poem to send to everyone one year - I still have it as it was really nice (may pass it off as one of mine this year)

Liney_2 · 2 September 2006 at 5:47AM

Also when I have bought cards I always get them after christmas for the following year - they are soooo much cheaper - if you tried this option may be you would still have the difference in price (before xmas price V's after xmas price to send to charity?